Laser Hair Removal in Manhattan

Some people may experience the following potential temporary side effects:

• Itching
• Redness for up to 3 days
• Swelling around the mouth of the follicle for up to 3 days
• Tingling or feeling of numbness

The following rare side effects are indicative of inappropriate laser type and/or failed adherence to the pre and post-treatment instructions:

• Micro-crusting/scab formation
  Bruising
• Purpura (purple coloring of the skin)
• Temporary pigment change (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation).

Yes! We safely treat all skin tones, from fair to deep. We have all three necessary lasers to safely treat all skin types (ND YAG, ALEXANDRIATE, DIODE). Further more Our NYS-licensed technicians adjust the laser settings based on your individual skin and hair type to ensure safe and effective results.

Laser hair removal is more than just “zapping” unwanted hair. It is a medical procedure that requires training and experience to provide optimum results. Serenity Laser Spa has treated hundreds of patients since we opened and we are experts at the services we provide.

When planning to undergo laser hair removal treatment, you should stop plucking, waxing for two weeks before treatment. True Lasers target the hairs’ roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking and will thereby render treatment ineffective. You may shave as often as you’d like leading up to your treatment date.

You should also avoid sun exposure in the treatment area for two weeks before and after treatment whenever possible. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely. You know your body best, avoid scheduling treatments until you have cycled through any tan you may have previously received.

Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as full-body may take up to an hour and a half. 

• Most patients need between 6 and 12 effective treatments spaced a minimum of 6-8 weeks apart. Because hair grows in cycles, several sessions are necessary in order to affect all hair in any given area. Treatments are scheduled based on the average length of hair growth cycles, usually once every 6-8 weeks. Hair cycle length varies depending on the body part. The face usually has a shorter treatment cycle and therefore more frequent treatments (about 4-6 weeks apart) whereas the legs and back need less frequent treatments (closer to 6-8 weeks apart).
• All of the treated hair should be expected to shed out within 3 weeks of each treatment. During the shedding phase, hair may look like it’s growing, but it is actually shedding out. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the shedding process. In rare cases, hair that doesn’t shed and is growing as usual after 3 weeks may not have been in the growth phase at the time of treatment and therefore have not been affected during the treatment. In any case, please inform your Serenity Laser Spa specialist at the time of your next treatment of any areas of hair that you feel were not affected so that they can adjust the settings if necessary.
• All 6 to 12 treatments should be good effective treatments at aggressive settings in order to achieve permanent results.

Generally, laser hair removal is far less painful than waxing, though the sensation is different. Patients describe the feeling of each laser pulse like that of a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second. Pain is only felt briefly while the laser is hitting the skin. Since each laser pulse effectively destroys all the hair in a given area of roughly the size of a quarter, the treatments are fast. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream, though one can be provided to more sensitive patients if requested.